Price, Devon
9780593235256, 0593235258
Trade Paperback
 
A deep dive into the spectrum of Autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked Autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society's narrow understanding of neurodiversity.

"A remarkable work that will stand at the forefront of the neurodiversity movement." -Barry M. Prizant, PhD, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

For every visibly Autistic person you meet, there are countless “masked” Autistics who pass as neurotypical. Masking is a common coping mechanism in which Autistic people hide their identifiably Autistic traits in order to fit in with societal norms, adopting a superficial personality at the expense of their mental health. This can include suppressing harmless stims and forcing themselves into situations that cause severe anxiety.

In Unmasking Autism, Dr. Devon Price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in. For Dr. Price and many others, Autism is a deep source of uniqueness and beauty. Unfortunately, living in a neurotypical world means it can also be a source of incredible alienation and pain. Most masked Autistic individuals struggle for decades before discovering who they truly are. They are also more likely to be marginalized in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and other factors, which contributes to their suffering and invisibility. Dr. Price lays the groundwork for unmasking and offers exercises that encourage self-expression, including:

   • Celebrating special interests
   • Reframing Autistic stereotypes
   • And rediscovering your values

It’s time to honor the needs, diversity, and unique strengths of Autistic people so that they can live free of the mask—and it’s time for greater public acceptance and accommodation of difference. In embracing neurodiversity, we can all learn to lead lives more freeing and true to us.